ES2392791T3 - An assembly and a method for providing a sealing system in an opening - Google Patents

Abstract

A sealing assembly for providing in one opening a sealing system through which at least one cable, pipe or conduit extends, in which the system comprises: a transit unit (1) of a relatively inflexible material, in the which the transit unit (1) comprises one or a plurality of conduits (2) that extend in a longitudinal direction of the transit unit (1), in which each conduit (2) is suitable for receiving one of the minus a cable (10), pipe or channel, the transit unit (1) having an outer circumference (3) which is provided with a first profile (4); and an outer plug (15) comprising at least two longitudinal and segmental parts (5) that are of an elastic material, compared to the inflexible material of the transit unit, in which the outer plug has an interior (6) that it is provided with a second profile (7); in which, in an assembled condition of the assembly, the outer plug (15) surrounds in the transit unit (1) the outer circumference (3), in which, in the assembled condition, the first profile (4) and the second profile (7) coincide with each other in such a way that the movement of the transit unit (1) with respect to the outer plug (15) is inhibited in the longitudinal direction (L).

Description

An assembly and a method for providing a sealing system in an opening

The invention relates to a sealing assembly for providing a sealing system in an opening through which at least one cable, pipe or conduit extends.

Such opening can comprise a tubular passage in a floor, bridge or partition. Another possibility is that the opening comprises a pipe in which another pipe is at least partially received.

Such a system can therefore be used, for example, for two connected pipes having mutually different diameters. One of the pipes can, for example, form a rush connection and have a smaller diameter than a pipe that forms the main line or is a branch of it. A system to which the invention relates is suitable for sealing the space between the pipes.

It is also possible to supply cables, for example, telephone, electricity and television through such pipes connected to each other. Another possibility is to use the system as a seal between the fiberglass cables and the protective tubes.

Such a system can also be used in building walls, in particular in foundation walls and floors but also in ceilings or roofs in which, by means of "lost pieces of plastic pipe", open steps are left in the concrete poured for Supply through tubes for water or gas, or cables. Of course, the passage can also be provided on a concrete base with the help of a drilling procedure.

Additionally, a system to which the invention relates can be used in the construction and / or maintenance of new buildings, boats and maritime installations. Sections in such constructions are usually formed by placing prefabricated partitions according to a predetermined plan, for example on a dock of the port where a vessel is being built. Even before placing the partitions, passage sleeves can be provided in the partitions, for example with the help of a welding procedure.

Henceforth the space between the passage sleeve and at least one tube, conduit or cable will often be simply referred to as "the space".

GB 2186442 describes a transit system for cables and pipes. The system comprises a metal transit unit with an opening full of guiding blocks and sealing blocks. The guiding blocks comprise two block halves that together can form a block with an opening through which a pipe, cable or conduit can be supplied. In other words, two halves of the guiding blocks can surround a pipe, cable or conduit. Each pipe, cable or conduit is therefore surrounded by at least two blocks. The remaining space in the opening is filled with sealing blocks. In this way the space between the inner wall of the passage sleeve, in this case often a metal transit unit, and the pipes, cables or conduits that extend through the metal transit sleeve or unit is filled with blocks. It is possible to position a reinforcement plate between each layer of blocks. Pressure is then applied to the assembled blocks to compress the blocks around the cable, pipe or conduit to seal the guiding blocks around the cable, pipe or conduit, and to fix them together and against the side walls of the transit unit or the conduction sleeve and reinforcement plate. For this purpose, the system comprises a compression and sealing system. Pressure can be applied using a system that requires tightening compression nuts or bolts.

The forces required for compression are very high and partly transmitted to the pipelined pipe or cable, often in a non-hydrostatic manner.

This system cannot distribute the load on a regular basis through the stacked blocks. In fact, the piped pipe or cable will take part of the load and avoid a uniform distribution. Blocks that are subject to much less "shadow" compression of the ducted pipe or cable can easily be removed by force since the pressure does not reach these blocks.

This system is not suitable for so-called coaxial cables since the applied pressure, in particular when it is not hydrostatic, will affect the impedance undesirably. The system is also not suitable for glass fibers (often used to transmit signals formed by light waves) since any pressure, particularly when it is not hydrostatic, will unpredictably affect the transmission performance.

Another problem is the non-uniform flow of rubber, which reduces the flexibility of the transit system. This can be detrimental when a part of the system is suddenly exposed to too high pressure, and such flexibility would be advantageous.

Not only is the system difficult to install, it takes time, it is expensive, it requires great inventory control, and it leads to an unbalanced pressure distribution, but also the system does not work satisfactorily in the long run. Rubber, even well vulcanized rubber, presents a natural relaxation over time. When the rubber has not been properly saturated or vulcanized, chemical relaxation can also occur. This increases the total relaxation of the rubber. As a consequence, the compression screws or nuts of the compression and sealing system of the system described in GB 2186442 need to be tightened frequently.

An additional problem is that a change in temperature will cause, due to thermal expansion or contraction, a lack or excess of tightening of the compression screws, resulting respectively in the weakening of the seal and in irreversible (permanent) creep of rubber

In particular when plastic pipes or cables with plastic braided linings extend through the passage sleeve, the outer surface of these pipes or cables is subjected to radial pressure inward and the outside diameter of these pipes or cables may decrease due to to a phenomenon known as "creep". If this occurs, the screws and nuts of the compression and packaging system should be re-tightened even more frequently, since the integrity of the seal provided by the compressed rubber blocks and the compressed plastic pipes or cables will decrease due to both physical phenomena, Creep and relaxation. However, it does not matter how often the compression screws and / or the nuts are tightened, immediately after re-tightening, the phenomenon of rubber relaxation and creep of the plastic pipe will continue to occur so that the integrity of the seal deteriorates immediately.

The system does not allow partially or completely replacing the rubber blocks, since new rubber blocks would no longer fit tightly into the outer walls of plastic pipes or plastic braided liners, particularly when they have become unpredictable and unevenly deformed. to the creep phenomenon described above.

Systems are known in which a rubber ring is coaxially placed in a passage sleeve around a pipe channeled through the conduit. The rubber ring is then compressed between ring-shaped steel plates. Although this leads to the generation of radial forces of equal intensity, the relaxation problems of rubber and, in the case of plastic pipes, creep problems also oblige in these systems the frequent re-tightening of compression steel plates.

WO 2004/111513 describes a system, in greater detail a plug, made of an elastically deformable material for insertion into a space between an inner wall of a passage sleeve and a pipe, cable or conduit that extends through said cuff. The plug usually comprises at least two longitudinal and segmental parts to form a sealing plug that can be received in space. Each of the longitudinal parts is provided with an exterior comprising a number of outer ribs separated in a longitudinal direction to make, in use, annular contact surfaces each of which is closed on itself in a circumferential direction between the sealing plug and the inner wall of the opening.

Each of the longitudinal parts is additionally provided, inside, with a number of inner ribs to make, in use, annular contact surfaces each of which is closed on itself in a circumferential direction between the sealing plug and the pipe, cable or conduit that extends through the opening.

Each of the longitudinal parts is additionally provided with an outer collar designed to be placed against an outer edge of the opening. When the cap is mounted these collars are part of a flange, so that forces can be exerted on the flange to insert the longitudinal parts. The flange is designed so that it can be placed against the outer edge of the opening. The outer edge of the opening is therefore covered by the flange. The flange further ensures equal insertion, so that the outer ribs of the longitudinal portions are aligned to form the annular contact surfaces and such that the inner ribs are aligned to form the annular contact surfaces.

An advantage of this sealing system is that it is very easy to insert, and after applying grease on the longitudinal parts, even manual insertion is possible. Due to the flange, it is very unlikely that the plug will be pushed further into the sleeve or passage opening, even when very high pressure is applied on the flange. It has been found that this sealing system maintains its sealing integrity when a very high pressure is applied on the side of the plug that has first been introduced into the conduction opening or sleeve. Only after applying a very high pressure on that end of the plug, can the plug of the conduction or opening sleeve be forcibly removed. Another advantage is that the ribs provide some flexibility to the sealing system, so no re-tightening is necessary. When the rubber relaxes, the nerves still provide annular contact surfaces and therefore the seal remains intact. This response is also applicable to the unlikely occurrence of creep, which could result in a smaller diameter of a pipeline.

plastic that extends through the conduit opening or sleeve. As the actual radial load applied on a plastic pipe decreases over time, due to the relaxation of the rubber, the possible appearance of creep will decrease rather than increase.

WO 02/43212 describes a system for hermetically passing a cable, conduit, pipe or the like through an opening in a wall, which comprises a sealing device made of an elastic material, such as rubber. This system includes at least one passage channel with a smooth inner wall, in which the sealing device is externally provided with compressible ribs, axially separated, circular, at least substantially inflexible, supported on radial (imaginary) planes, whose outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the opening. The system additionally includes at least one eyelet to be fitted around the cable, the conduit, the pipe or the like to be passed through, eyelet that can be hermetically fitted in said passage channel. Said eyelet, which has a smooth outer side, includes an inner bore whose wall is provided with compressible ribs, axially spaced apart, circular, at least substantially inflexible, supported by radial (imaginary) planes, whose inner diameter is at least substantially identical to the outer diameter of the cable, the conduit, the pipe or the like to be passed through.

WO 2008/023058 describes a system for providing a sealing system for a situation in which one or a plurality of cables, pipes or conduits extend through an opening. The system comprises a transit unit that is fixed, or that can be hermetically fixed, within, or to, the opening. The transit unit comprises one or a plurality of conduits, each of which is suitable for receiving at least one of the plurality of cables, pipes or conduits. Each of the ducts is additionally suitable for receiving an elastically deformable plug to hermetically fill a space between a circumferential inner wall of the conduit and the one or more cables, pipes or conduits that extend through said conduit. This system is very suitable when the opening is in a partition, such as a ceiling or floor made of steel or another metal alloy.

WO 2008/023058 describes that the transit unit itself can be made of steel or aluminum. The transit unit is normally provided with a flange for welding the transit unit to a steel or aluminum construction element or for screwing the transit unit to a partition construction element. In these circumstances, such a system can withstand high pressure, even a sudden increase in load. However, such a way of tightly fixing the transit unit inside, or on, the driving sleeve or other form of opening, requires careful planning long before construction, requires time, requires skilled workers, and therefore expensive, and does not allow you to easily replace the transit unit, for example, with another transit unit with ducts of different sizes.

It is an object of the present invention to solve at least one of these problems associated with the hermetic fixation of the transit unit within, or over, an opening.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a sealing assembly for providing in one opening a sealing system through which a cable, pipe or channel extends. The system comprises a transit unit of a relatively inflexible material. The transit unit comprises one or a plurality of conduits, which extend in a longitudinal direction of the transit unit. Each conduit is suitable for receiving at least one of the cables, pipes or channels. The transit unit has an outer circumference that is provided with a first profile. The assembly further comprises an outer cap 15 comprising at least two longitudinal and segmental parts that are made of an elastic material, compared to the inflexible material of the transit unit. The outer cap 15 has an interior that is provided with a second profile. In the assembled condition, the outer cap 15 surrounds the transit unit by the outer circumference. In the assembled condition, the first profile and the second profile coincide in such a way that the movement of the transit unit with respect to the outer cap 15 is inhibited in the longitudinal direction.

This assembly allows to place the outer cap 15 and the transit unit in the assembled condition and insert the outer cap 15 and the transit unit in the condition mounted inside the opening so that the transit unit is held in the opening by the outer cap 15. This improves and simplifies the tight fitting of the transit unit inside the opening.

Additionally, as will be explained in greater detail below, the installed system will have an additional resilience due to the outer plug 15, both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, it is applicable that in an unmounted condition of the assembly and in an assembled condition of the outer cap 15 in which the outer cap 15 is free of radial compression, a total length of the interior of the outer plug 15 measured in the circumferential direction is, in each position along the longitudinal direction, less than the total length of the outer circumference of the unit

of transit in the corresponding position along the longitudinal direction. This improves the ability of the outer cap 15 to hold the transit unit in the opening, which can be explained by the following. It follows that the corresponding length dimensions of the interior of the outer cap 15 and the outer circumference of the transit unit that, at some point along the circumferential direction, there will be a gap between the two segments that form the outer cap 15 when the assembly is put in the assembled condition. This strike (there could be two or more strikes, depending on the number of segments), allows the expansion of a segment in the circumferential direction once the outer cap 15 is subjected to radial compression. The radial distance between the transit unit and the interior wall of the opening will be relatively small. The outer cap 15 can be easily compressed in the radial direction due to the possibility of lengthening each of the two segments of the outer cap 15 in the circumferential direction of the cap. This helps facilitate the insertion of the assembly mounted in the opening. Therefore, both opposite requirements are met to conveniently install the assembly and perform a tight seal. The outer cap 15 will seal the annular space between the transit unit and the inner wall of the opening as well as firmly hold the transit unit in the opening.

Additionally, since the outer cap 15 can be relatively thin, the transit unit can occupy a large cross section of the opening, allowing many cables and / or pipes and / or channels to be extended through the transit unit and the opening. Such fixation of the transit unit does not require skilled workers. The insertion of the system into the opening does not require time and can be carried out at any time. It also allows the non-invasive removal of the transit unit if necessary at any stage. Such withdrawal will not damage the opening. Then it is not a problem to refill the opening with a similar set.

According to an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, in an unmounted condition of the assembly and in an assembled condition of the outer cap 15 (in which the outer cap 15 is free of radial compression), in each position at along the longitudinal direction, the inside diameter of the outer cap 15 is smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference of the transit unit in the corresponding position along the longitudinal direction. By placing the assembly in the assembled and installed condition, the inside diameter of the outer cap 15 increases to fit the outer circumference of the transit unit. This helps to generate the forces to hold the transit unit in the opening. Also in this process, the segments of the outer cap 15 can be lengthened in the circumferential dimension.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, each of the ducts comprises an unrestricted part and a restricted part that are side by side in the longitudinal direction. Such an embodiment allows segmented inner plugs 16 to be inserted to hermetically fill a space of the respective conduit between a circumferential inner wall of the unrestricted part of the conduit and the at least one cable, pipe or channel extending through said conduit. Advantageously, the restricted part prevents the movement of the inner plug 16 inserted along the restricted part, providing the possibility of a dynamic seal (as will be developed below), although this is not essential within the present invention. Additionally, such a restricted part ensures that the inner cap 16 cannot be inserted very deeply, that is to the extent to which it would exit from the other side of the conduit. This has advantageous consequences for densely distributing the conduits through the transit unit (as will be developed below).

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, the assembly ideally additionally comprises for each of the segments a segmented inner plug 16 of an elastic material, compared with the inflexible material of the transit unit, to hermetically fill a space in the unrestricted part of the conduit between a circumferential inner wall of the conduit and the at least one cable, pipe or channel extending through that conduit. Such segmented inner caps 16 contribute usefully to the additional sealing in a simplified manner. Use of existing plugs can be made, making the sealing assembly of the present invention economically attractive. Although the outer diameter of the segmented inner cap is clearly predetermined based on the inner diameter of the conduit in question, the sealing system is flexible with respect to the outer diameter of the cable, pipe, or channel. The segmented inner cap 16 may be provided with an inner diameter suitable for use with the outer diameter of the cable, pipe, or channel.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, each of the segmented inner caps 16 has a length such that the entire inner cap 16 fits into the unrestricted part of the corresponding conduit. This has the advantage of the distribution of the ducts does not have to take into account the dimensions of the inner plugs 16 that prevent the plug from fitting into the unrestricted portion of the conduit. This in turn means that the distribution can be determined exclusively by the strength of the transit unit material, which determines the minimum thickness of the parts of the transit unit that will be exposed to high pressures. The distribution of the conduits can therefore be denser if a stronger material is used for the transit unit.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, each of the inner caps 16 is free of flange. This provides a very practical embodiment of the inner plugs 16, and allows the dense distribution of the ducts by the transit unit. The density is determined solely by the thickness of the wall between the ducts, not by the need to avoid overlapping the flanges of the inner plugs 16.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, the outer cap 15 is provided with a flange. Such a flange prevents insertion of the assembly into the opening too deep and offers a surface against which a force can be applied to insert the assembly mounted within the opening. Additionally, said outer caps 15 also exist and are marketed, making the sealing assembly according to the invention economically attractive in many aspects.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, the first profile comprises a number of ribs that extend radially outward, each extending in the circumferential direction. Advantageously, this allows a uniform resistance along the circumference of the transit unit against a movement in the longitudinal direction of the transit unit with respect to the outer plug 15.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, the second profile comprises a number of ribs that extend radially inwardly, each extending in the circumferential direction. Advantageously, the outer caps 15 with a second profile are known and commercialized. Such ribs are for making annular contact surfaces with, for example, an outer surface of a pipe that is held in a fixed and sealed opening. It follows that the assembly can be produced relatively inexpensively, and that it is not necessary to produce new molds for the manufacture of such outer caps 15.

In an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, in the assembled condition the positions of the ribs that extend inwardly and of the ribs that extend outwardly alternate with each other in the longitudinal direction. This provides an optimal way to prevent movement in the longitudinal direction of the transit unit with respect to the outer cap 15.

The invention further relates to a method of providing a seal in an opening through which at least one cable, pipe or channel extends. Such a method comprises providing a transit unit of a relatively inflexible material. The transit unit comprises one, or a plurality of, conduits that extend in a longitudinal direction of the transit unit. Each conduit is suitable for receiving one of the at least one cable, pipe or channel. The transit unit has an outer circumference that is provided with a first profile.

The method further comprises providing an outer cap 15 comprising at least two longitudinal and segmental parts that are of an elastic material, compared to the inflexible material of the transit unit. The outer cap 15 has an interior that is provided with a second profile.

The method further comprises providing for each of the ducts a segmented inner plug 16 of an elastic material, compared with the inflexible material of the transit unit, to hermetically fill a space in the conduit between a circumferential inner wall of the conduit and the at least one cable, pipe or channel.

In an assembled condition, the outer cap 15 surrounds the outer circumference of the transit unit. In this condition, the first profile and the second profile coincide in such a way that the movement of the transit unit with respect to the outer cap 15 is inhibited in the longitudinal direction.

The procedure further comprises:

•

placing the outer cap 15 and the transit unit in the assembled condition by positioning the outer cap 15 so that it surrounds the outer circumference of the transit unit;

•

insert the outer cap 15 and the transit unit in the condition mounted in the opening such that the transit unit is held in the opening by the outer cap 15;

•

pass at least one cable, pipe or channel through the plurality of conduits; Y

•

insert into each conduit one of the segmented inner plugs 16 to hermetically fill a space in the corresponding conduit between a circumferential inner wall of the corresponding conduit and the at least one cable, pipe or channel extending therethrough.

This provides a simple and direct way of providing in one opening a sealing system through which at least one cable, pipe or channel extends. The procedure is simple and imperishable, it can

be performed in a relatively short space of time, and does not require the presence of extra equipment. Above all, it leads to a sealing system with low maintenance and which can be used for a long time.

In an embodiment of a process according to the invention, the opening itself is a conduit in a transit unit as referred to above. In such a procedure, the sealing is provided in such a way that there is more than one possibility to respond dynamically to a sudden increase in the pressure applied in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in the transverse direction, there is more than one possibility of offering flexibility in case the cable, pipe or channel extending through the opening moves in a transverse direction with respect to the opening. This will be explained in greater detail below.

The invention is further explained and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a transit unit of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a transit unit and an outer cap 15 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a close-up view of a transit unit and a part of an outer cap 15 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a longitudinal and segmental part of an outer cap 15 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 5 is an interior view of a longitudinal and segmental part of an outer cap 15 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 6 is, in greater detail, a cross-section along a longitudinal direction of a longitudinal and segmental part of an outer cap 15 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a transit unit and an outer cap 15 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention in an assembled condition;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a transit unit and an outer plug 15 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention in the assembled and installed condition;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal direction of a transit unit of an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a segment of an inner cap 16 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 11 is a view of an interior of a segment as shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a more detailed cross section along a longitudinal direction of a segment as shown in Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an inner cap 16 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an inner cap 16 of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 15 is a schematic view of a section along a transverse direction of an inner plug 16 of an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 16 is a schematic view of a section along a transverse direction of an inner plug 16 of an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 17 is a schematic view of a section along a transverse direction of an inner plug 16 of an embodiment according to the invention;

Figures 18 (a) - (g) are perspective views of various stages achieved during the implementation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention;

Figure 19 is a perspective and partially exploded view of the use of an embodiment according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a part of an assembly to provide a seal through which a cable, pipe or channel extends. The part shown in Figure 1 refers to a transit unit 1 of a relatively inflexible material, for example, high molecular density polyethylene. The transit unit 1 comprises one, or a plurality of, as shown in Figure 1, conduits 2, each extending in a longitudinal direction L of the transit unit 1. As can be seen more easily in Figures 18 (b) - (g), each conduit 2 is suitable for receiving a cable 10, or even more cables 10.

Next, reference will be made every time to the cables 10 that extend through the conduits 2, or that pass through the plurality of conduits 2. However, it should be understood that instead of a cable it could also be passed a pipe or a channel through a number of ducts. Also a combination of, for example, a cable and a pipe could pass through one or more conduits 2. Later in this description, reference will be made to these possibilities.

The transit unit 1 has an outer circumference 3 which is provided with a first profile 4.

Figure 2 again shows the transit unit 1, as well as another part of the assembly, namely an outer cap 15 comprising, in this example, two longitudinal and segmental parts 5. Each of these two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 is manufactured with an elastic material, compared to the inflexible material used for the transit unit 1. The longitudinal and segmental parts 5 are preferably made of a silicone rubber, preferably with a Shore A hardness of approximately 72 °. The outer cap 15 has an inner 6 that is provided with a second profile 7.

To reduce the possibility of galvanic corrosion, the transit unit 1 is preferably made of an inert material, that is, a non-metallic and / or non-corrosive material. The material is preferably "dirt repellent" and / or can be easily cleaned, so that any sand can be immediately cleaned before each use, and such potential sources of leaks, or the like, can be eliminated. For a long service life, the material is preferably a high durability material.

High molecular density polyethylene would be a good choice for the relatively inflexible material of the transit unit 1. This would also ensure that the material used for the transit unit 1 was relatively light, which is advantageous for use on board ships.

As shown, the second profile 7 comprises in this example a number of ribs 12 that extend radially inwards, each in the circumferential direction.

In Figure 2, the outer cap 15 partially surrounds the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1. One of the two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 is positioned against the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1. The other longitudinal segment part 5 is still at a certain distance from the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1 but, as indicated by the arrow A, it can be moved closer to the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1, of such that in the outer circumference 3 the transit unit is virtually completely surrounded by the outer cap 15. Once the outer cap 15 surrounds the transit unit 1 by the outer circumference 3 to the extent that each of the Longitudinal and segmental parts are placed with their interior against the outer circumference and in such a way that the first and second profiles 4,7 coincide with each other, it is said that the assembly is in the assembled condition. It can also be said that the other outer cap 15 has a longitudinal direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the transit unit 1 when the assembly is in the assembled condition.

Figure 3 shows the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1 as well as its first profile 4. The first profile 4 comprises in this example a number of ribs 11 extending radially outward, each extending in the circumferential direction. A part of the outer cap 15 is also shown, namely the second profile 7 of the inside 6 of the outer cap 15. Purely for clarity, a tiny gap is shown between the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1 and the inside 6 of the longitudinal portion 5 of the segment of the outer cap 15. This gap clearly shows the shape of the first profile 4 and the shape of the second profile 7. It is clear that the first profile 4 and the second profile 7 coincide, such that the movement of the transit unit 1 with respect to the outer cap 15 would be inhibited in the longitudinal direction L if the first profile 4 and the second profile 7 actually came into contact. As clearly shown, in this example there would be contact over the entire circumference 3 with the inside 6 of the longitudinal segment portion 5 of the outer cap 15. However, although said full contact over the entire outer circumference 3 of the unit 1 of transit is certainly advantageous, it is conceivable that in other embodiments there is no contact on the entire outer circumference, even when in said other embodiments it is considered that the first profile 4 and the second profile 7 coincide so that the movement of the unit 1 of transit with respect to the outer cap 15 is inhibited in the longitudinal direction L.

As shown in the example of Fig. 3, in the mounted condition the positions of the ribs 12 that are

they extend inwardly and the ribs 11 which extend outwardly alternate with each other in the longitudinal direction. In the following, examples will be presented in greater detail of each of the first and second profiles, in particular with reference to previously published descriptions of such profiles. While Figure 3 shows only parts of the interior 6 of the longitudinal segment part 5, in Figure 4 a perspective view of an example of such longitudinal segment part 5 is presented.

It should be noted that Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the present application correspond respectively to Figures 4, 1 and 5A of WO 2007/028443. The reference signs shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the present application correspond to those used in the description of WO 2007/028443 A1.

Therefore, for a more detailed description of an example of the profile 7 of the outer cap 15 as presented in Figure 4 of the present application, reference is made to WO 2007/028443 A1, since that outer profile is very suitable for an outer cap 15 of the invention described herein. The second profile 7 represented in Figures 4, 5 and 6 is used in accordance with the prior art to provide annular contact surfaces against an outer cylindrical surface of a cable, pipe or channel, which is normally smooth. The second profile 7 shown in Figures 4-6 is particularly suitable for sliding in a longitudinal direction on said outer surface of a cable, pipe or channel, as is necessary when the plug is inserted for sealing. Surprisingly, the same profile can, in combination with a matching counter profile, sufficiently inhibit sliding in the longitudinal direction. Instead of sliding, it provides a firm grip on a matching counter profile. Making use of the same profile for an outer cap 15 in an assembly according to the present invention has the advantage that in order to develop the assembly it will not be necessary to design new outer plugs 15. It is believed that such profile 7 works well because it provides an area of relatively large surface that may be in contact with the profile 4 of the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1.

The outer cap 15 is provided with an outer one with a number of external ribs (in Figures 4, 5 and 6 labeled 3, 11). In the example shown, these ribs 3, 11 have the shape of a sawtooth. The upper parts (in Figures 4, 5 and 6 labeled 8a) are separated in the longitudinal direction to make, in the use of the assembly, annular contact surfaces closed on themselves in the circumferential direction to make a sealing contact with an inner wall of the opening.

The thickness of the longitudinal and segmental parts 5 in the radial direction is such that when the outer cap 15 is inserted into the opening and the outer ribs 3, 11 are pressed in, the resulting pressure is transmitted to the inner profile 7, and if this is provided with ribs 12 extended inwards, also to these nerves. As a consequence, the inner profile 7 of the outer cap 15 is pressed on the outer profile of the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1. The grip of the outer cap 15 in the transit unit 1 is therefore strong, holding the transit unit 1 in place. In a practical embodiment, the radial thickness of the outer cap 15 is preferably between 10 and 22 mm, more preferably ranging from 12 to 20 mm. Based on routine experiments, one skilled in the art will be able to determine the optimum difference, in relation to the materials, and the mechanical properties thereof, selected for the transit unit and the outer plug.

The outer cap 15 is provided with a flange 13. It should be understood that ideally the longitudinal and segmental parts 5 are prepared by an injection molding process or a compression molding process, in which a vulcanizable material, possibly with a silicone base , is injected into a mold or compressed into a mold, and vulcanized. The use of a known profile for the inside 6 and a known profile for the outside of the outer cap 15 in the present invention significantly reduces the need for a new mold, and keeps the costs of the system described herein at a very low level.

Figure 7 shows the assembly in the assembled condition, ie the outer cap 15 formed by the two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 surrounding the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1. Although the longitudinal and segmental parts 5 are positioned with respect to the transit unit 1 in such a way that the first profile 4 and the second profile 7 coincide so that the movement of the transit unit 1 with respect to the outer plug 15 is inhibited in The longitudinal direction, the assembly, shown in Figure 7, is not in an installed condition. That is, the assembly shown in Figure 7 has not been inserted into an opening to be subjected to a condition in which the transit unit is held in the opening by the outer cap 15. It follows that the assembly 7 shown in Figure 7 it is free of radial compression. As can be seen in Figure 7, the two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 do not make contact with each other in a circumferential direction. The at least two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 therefore do not form an outer cap 15 completely closed on itself in the circumferential direction.

If the transit unit 1 had not been positioned between the two longitudinal and segmental parts 5, then it would be possible to mount the outer cap 15 so that the at least two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 formed an outer cap 15 completely closed on itself in the circumferential direction. Another way of

to describe the above is to say that in the unmounted condition of the assembly and in the assembled condition of the outer cap 15, in which the outer cap 15 is free of radial compression, a total length of the inside 6 of the outer cap 15 measured in the direction Circumferential is, in each position along the longitudinal direction, less than the total length of the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1 in the corresponding position along the longitudinal direction. From the embodiment shown in Figure 7, it is obvious that if the two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 were put in the assembled condition, such that the outer cap 15 was completely closed on itself in the circumferential direction, then the transit unit 1 would not fit in said outer cap 15.

Another way of describing the corresponding dimensions of the transit unit 1 and the outer cap 15, in an unmounted condition of the assembly and in a mounted condition of the outer cap 15, is as follows. In each position along the longitudinal direction, the inside diameter of the outer cap 15 is smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1 in the corresponding position along the longitudinal direction. By way of example, for a transit unit having a circular section along the transverse direction and a diameter of for example 160 mm, the diameter of the outer cap 15 at the corresponding positions along the longitudinal direction is typically 159 mm (the outer cap 15 is in the assembled condition and the assembly is in the unmounted condition). This difference of 1 mm in diameter may be slightly larger or slightly smaller. Based on routine experiments, an expert may be able to determine the optimal difference.

With reference again to Figure 3, it is obvious that as a result of the first profile 4 and the second profile 7 the above comparisons only make sense if they are applied to corresponding positions along the longitudinal direction L in the circumference 3 of the unit 1 transit and along the inside 6 of the outer cap

15. The corresponding positions should be seen as positions that would come into contact when the assembly is in the assembled condition and the first and second profiles coincide in such a way that the movement of the transit unit with respect to the outer plug 15 is inhibited in the longitudinal direction

Figure 8 shows the assembly in the mounted position and in the installed condition. The assembled assembly has been inserted at the end of a pipe 8 so that the transit unit 1 is held in a holding position by the outer cap 15. The two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 of the outer cap 15 now make contact between yes in both possible contact positions, so that in the circumferential direction the outer cap 15 is closed on itself. Clearly, the inner diameter of the outer cap 15 now corresponds to the outer diameter of the transit unit 1, in the corresponding positions along the longitudinal direction L. Similarly, a total length of the inside of the outer cap 15 , measured in the circumferential direction, is now equal to the total length of the outer circumference of the transit unit 1, in corresponding positions along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the profile 4 of the outer circumference 3 of the transit unit 1 has a smooth surface, which allows an optimal sliding of the outer cap 15 along the circumferential direction as can occur during insertion and radial compression of the accompanying outer cap 15, as described above. The outer cap 15 is preferably made of a silicone rubber with a Shore A hardness between 65 ° and 75 °, preferably 68 ° -70 °, and even more preferably about 72 °.

Figure 9 shows a cross section of a transit unit 1, taken along the longitudinal direction L thereof. It is appreciated that each duct 2 has a restricted part 9. In the example shown two ducts 2 are seen. However, of course it is equally possible that the transit unit has only one duct 2, or a much larger number of ducts 2. In the examples shown, the restricted part 9 is formed by a part of the conduit 2 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of an unrestricted part of the conduit 2. This can also be seen in Figures 7 and 8. An inlet of the part not Restricted of each conduit 2 preferably has a flange that is rounded, so that there is no sharp edge that could damage the inner plug 16 when inserted into the conduit 2.

Although it is shown that the transit unit 1, comprising one, or a plurality of conduits 2, each of which has a restricted part 9, can be an object of a piece, it is equally possible that the restricted part 9 is formed by a part that is mounted towards one end of an unrestricted part of the conduit 2. For example it is possible that the transit unit 1 is a multi-part device, with at least one part in which the conduits are not restricted and another part that effectively lengthens the ducts and therefore adds a restricted part of the ducts. Once the foregoing has been brought to the attention of a person skilled in the art, said person will come up with a large number of possibilities to carry out said embodiments.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 correspond respectively to Figures 2, 3 and 4 of WO 2008/023058 A1. Figure 10 shows a segment of a segmented inner cap 16. Figure 11 of the present application shows a view of the inside of such inner cap 16 and Figure 12 shows in greater detail a cross section taken along the longitudinal direction of such inner cap 16.

The reference signs used in Figures 10, 11 and 12 of the present application correspond to those used in the description of WO 2008/023058 A1. For a detailed description of this example of an inner cap 16, reference is therefore made to said prior art document. In this case, it is simply noted that, as shown, each of the inner caps 16 is free of flange. In an advantageous embodiment, each of the inner caps 16 has a length such that the entire inner plug 16 fits into the restricted part of the corresponding duct 2. This means that a distribution of the ducts is determined by the dimension of the ducts 2 and the necessary thickness of the material between these ducts 2. The dimensions of the inner plugs 16 do not play a role in the distribution of the ducts 2 on the transition unit 1. This is because each inner cap 16 completely fits into a conduit, so that only the conduit itself must be taken into account to design the transition unit so that the conduits are advantageously distributed over the transition unit.

Additionally, it is possible that the inner caps 16 are pressed in a longitudinal direction towards the unrestricted part 9 of the duct 2. This allows a form of "dynamic sealing", which means that the sealing improves as the difference over the length of the cap increases. For a more detailed description of this mechanism, reference is made to WO 2008/023058. It should be noted that the present invention is not specifically directed to said dynamic sealing.

The function of the inner plugs 16 is to hold the pipe, cable 10 or channel effectively to the transit unit 1, such that the transit unit 1 is held in place by the fastening of the outer plug 15 and the fastening to each one of the cables 10, pipes or channels that extend through the transit unit. It follows that overall restraint is better if the number of ducts is greater.

Figure 13 shows an example in a perspective view of an inner plug 13 that could seal the remaining space within a conduit 2 when three wires extend through this conduit.

Figure 14 shows an example of an inner plug 14 that can be used in a conduit 2 through which, at the moment, no cable, pipe or channel is extended. This is often called a blind plug. It is possible that the assembly as initially installed in an opening is only provided with blind plugs 14. It can even be installed in a factory where a prefabricated wall is prepared for transport to a construction site. This has the advantage that each conduit 2, or at least the unrestricted portion thereof, remains free of dirt until the blind plug is removed to pass a cable through the conduit and an inner plug 16 is inserted. Figure 13 and Figure 14 correspond respectively to Figure 17 and Figure 18 of WO 2008/023058 A1, which is referred to for a further description of this type of stoppers.

Figures 15, 16 and 17 schematically show cross sections taken along the transverse direction of alternative inner caps 16 that could also be part of an assembly according to the invention to insert into one of the ducts 2 of the transit unit 1. Advantageously, of such plugs, only one segment needs to be replaced if a pipe, cable or channel with a diameter other than that for which the present inner cap 16 is suitable is necessary to pass through the conduit 2. Figures 15, 16 and 17 correspond respectively to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C of the international patent application PCT / EP2010 / 050986, published after the filing date of the present application as WO 2010/086 361 A2, to the which is referred to for further details of these examples of inner plugs 16. Other examples are also described in GB 2171139A. Particularly those shown in Figures 5-8 thereof can be suitably employed in an assembly according to the invention.

Figure 18 shows various intermediate stages that are achieved by performing the steps of a process to provide an opening in a sealing system through which a cable, pipe or channel extends. The method comprises providing a set as described above. In detail, the method comprises providing a transit unit, for example a transit unit 1 as described above, of a relatively inflexible material, which could be high density polyethylene. In this example the transit unit 1 comprises a number of conduits 2 that extend in a longitudinal direction of the transit unit 1. Each conduit 2 is suitable for receiving a cable, pipe or conduit. The transit unit has an outer circumference that is provided with a first profile (not shown in Figure 18). The method further comprises providing an outer cap 15 comprising at least two longitudinal and segmental parts 5 that are of an elastic material with respect to the inflexible material of the transit unit 1. The outer cap 15 has an inside (not shown in Figure 18) that is provided with a second profile (not shown in Figure 18).

Figure 18 (a) shows the transit unit 1 and the outer cap 15 in an assembled condition as a result of placing the outer cap 15 and the transit unit 1 such that the outer cap 15 is positioned to surround the outer circumference of transit unit 1. The arrows shown in Figure 18 (a) indicate a

movement of the assembly mounted in an opening. As a result of inserting the outer cap 15 and the transit unit 1 in assembled condition into the opening, the transit unit 1 is held in the opening by the outer cap 15, as shown in Figure 18 (b). Figure 18 (b) also shows the result of another stage of the procedure, namely, passing a cable 10 through one of the conduits 2. In case there is a plurality of cables 10, pipes or channels, these will then be passed through the plurality of ducts 2.

The method also comprises providing for each of the ducts 2 a segmented inner plug 16 of an elastic material, compared to the inflexible material of the transit unit 1. An example of such a plug, and more details thereof, are shown in Figures 10-17 and described in the attached description thereof, and even described in greater detail in the documents referenced above. Figure 18 (d) shows a step of inserting into one conduit 2 one of the segmented inner plugs 16, to hermetically fill a space in the corresponding conduit 2 between a circumferential inner wall of the conduit 2 and the cable 10. Figure 18 ( e) shows the final result of that stage. Figure 18 (f) shows the result after repeating the steps of passing a cable through a conduit and inserting into that conduit one of the segmented inner plugs 16 to hermetically fill a space in that conduit 2 between a circumferential inner wall of the conduit 2 and the cable 10 passed through that conduit 2. Figure 18 (g) shows a final result of an embodiment of such a method according to the invention. It should be noted that in this example one of the ducts 2a is only provided with a blind segmented inner cap 14, leaving that duct 2 available for future use.

Clearly, the procedure can be performed with a set as described above with reference to Figures 1-17.

It should be noted that for a relatively easy way of inserting the assembly mounted in the opening and inserting an inner plug 16 to hermetically fill a space in a conduit 2, a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, will be provided to the corresponding cap, ideally just before the insertion

Figure 19 shows a perspective and partially exploded view of an opening, at each end of which an assembly according to the invention is provided, using the method described above. Clearly, the assembly can be provided such that a variety of cables, pipes or channels can be passed through the opening so that the opening is well sealed.

Although not shown, it should be noted that the entire assembly could be placed in an opening that was itself a conduit 2 of another much larger transit unit 1. In other words, one embodiment of an assembly according to the invention can be easily scaled up and another embodiment of an assembly according to the invention can be easily scaled down. The reduced scale embodiment can be placed in a conduit of the increased scale embodiment.

Even in the simplest application of the invention, when the assembly is used to seal an opening in a wall or an opening formed by a conduction sleeve (which is not part of another transit unit), the seal may have some flexibility in the longitudinal direction. Within each conduit 2, the plug can be compressed in the longitudinal direction, in particular when the conduit comprises the restricted part described above. However, the transit unit is also somewhat flexibly suspended in the opening by the clamping function of the outer cap 15. This is equally applicable to the transverse direction. A slight movement of the cable in the transverse direction can be initially absorbed by the elastic inner cap 16, in particular if it is one as described above. However, the complete transit unit 1 is also flexibly suspended with respect to the transverse direction.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown above. Many variations and modifications can be made.

In the previous example the transit unit 1 is shown as cylindrical. Elliptical and / or slightly conical transit units may also be used. The outer cap 15 may have a corresponding inside. Also the shape of the opening may differ from a cylindrical configuration. Rectangular openings, possibly with rounded corners, can also be equipped with an assembly according to the invention. The outer cap and the transit unit will then have dimensions that allow installation in such an opening. Even so the ducts can be cylindrical in such an embodiment.

The first and second profiles may be such that their mechanical interaction, that is the interlocking function, is more pronounced. In such an embodiment it may be necessary to design the outer cap 15, in particular the inner cap thereof, exclusively for use in an assembly according to the invention.

The transit unit may be provided with a closure plate, which can be screwed against the transit unit to enclose the inner plugs 16 in their respective conduits. Such closure plate can form the restrictive parts but also be additional to the restrictive parts of the conduit and on one side of the conduit opposite the side having the restricted part. When a closure plate is applied at one end of the conduit that is opposite the end that has the restrictive part, then the inner cap 16 is enclosed within the transit unit, ensuring that it cannot be pushed out of the transit unit in case it is

5 reach a very high pressure at one end of the transit unit. For such embodiments, it may be advisable to have a first and a second profile that interacts more intensively, for example having a greater radial overlap.

The seal provided with a process according to the invention and / or with the use of an assembly according to the invention will be tight, can withstand a pressure difference between one side of the opening and the

On the other hand, and can be flame retardant, in particular if the materials of both the transit unit 1 and the outer and inner plugs are selected for this purpose. The transit unit 1 may be made of a flame retardant rubber, as well as the outer cap and inner caps. However, in that case the transit unit 1 will preferably have a Shore A hardness of approximately 90 °.

It should be understood that all these embodiments fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the independent claims.

Claims (14)

1. A sealing assembly to provide in one opening a sealing system through which at least one cable, pipe or conduit extends, in which the system comprises: a transit unit (1) of a relatively inflexible material, in which the transit unit (1) comprises one or a plurality of conduits (2) extending in a longitudinal direction of the transit unit (1), in which each conduit (2) is suitable for receiving one of the at least one cable (10), pipe or channel, the transit unit (1) having an outer circumference (3) which is provided with a first profile (4) ; Y an outer plug (15) comprising at least two longitudinal and segmental parts (5) that are of an elastic material, compared to the inflexible material of the transit unit, in which the outer plug has an interior (6) that is provided with a second profile (7); in which, in an assembled condition of the assembly, the outer plug (15) surrounds in the transit unit (1) the outer circumference (3), in which, in the assembled condition, the first profile (4) and the second profile (7) coincide with each other in such a way that the movement of the transit unit (1) with respect to the outer plug (15) is inhibited in the longitudinal direction (L). 2. An assembly according to claim 1 in which, in an unmounted condition of the assembly and in an assembled condition of the outer cap (15) in which the outer cap (15) is free of radial compression, a length Total inside (6) of the outer cap (15) measured in the circumferential direction is, in each position along the longitudinal direction, less than the total length of the outer circumference (3) of the transit unit (1) in the corresponding position along the longitudinal direction (L). 3. An assembly according to claims 1 or 2 in which, in an unmounted condition of the assembly and in an assembled condition of the outer cap (15) in which the outer cap (15) is free of radial compression, in each position along the longitudinal direction, the inside diameter of the outer cap (15) is smaller than the diameter of the outer circumference (3) of the transit unit (1) in the corresponding position along the longitudinal direction (L). 4. A conduit according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein each of the conduits (2) comprises an unrestricted part and a restricted part (9) that are close to each other in the longitudinal direction (L). 5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein the assembly additionally comprises for each of the ducts (2) a segmented inner plug (16) of an elastic material, compared with the inflexible material of the unit (1 ) of transit, to hermetically fill a space in the unrestricted part of the conduit between a circumferential inner wall of the conduit (2) and the at least one cable (10), pipe or conduit. 6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein each of the inner caps (16) has a length such that the entire inner cap (16) fits into the unrestricted part of the corresponding duct (2). 7. An assembly according to claims 5 or 6, in which each of the inner caps (16) is free of a flange. 8. An assembly according to claims 1-7, in which the outer plug (15) is provided with a flange. 9. An assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first profile (4) comprises a number of ribs (11) extending radially outward, each of which extends in the circumferential direction 10. An assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the second profile (7) comprises a number of ribs (12) extending radially inward, each of which extends in the circumferential direction 11. An assembly according to claims 9 and 10 in which, in the assembled condition, the positions of the ribs (12) extending inwards and of the ribs (11) extending outwardly alternate between yes in the longitudinal direction (L). 12. An assembly according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the outer cap (15) is provided with an outer having a number of outer ribs (3, 11) whose upper parts are separated in the longitudinal direction to perform, in the use of the assembly, annular contact surfaces closed on themselves in the circumferential direction to make a sealing contact with an interior wall of the opening. 13.- Procedure for providing in one opening a sealing system through which at least one cable (10), pipe or conduit, comprising: • providing a transit unit (1) of a relatively inflexible material, in which the transit unit (1) comprises one or a plurality of conduits extending in a longitudinal direction (L) 5 of the transit unit, in which each conduit (2) is suitable for receiving one of the at least one cable (10), pipe or channel, the transit unit (1) having an outer circumference (3) that is provided with a first profile (4); • provide an outer cap (15) comprising at least two longitudinal and segmental parts (5) which are made of an elastic material, compared to the inflexible material of the transit unit (1), in which the outer plug (15) has an interior (6) which is provided with a second profile (7); Y • provide for each of the ducts (2) a segmented inner plug (16) of an elastic material, compared with the inflexible material of the transit unit (1), to hermetically fill a gap in the duct (2) between a inner circumferential wall of the duct and the at least one cable (10), pipe or duct; in which, in the assembled condition, the outer plug (15) surrounds the outer circumference (3) of the transit unit (1), in which, in the assembled condition, the first profile (4) and the second profile (7) coincide with each other in such a way that the movement of the transit unit (1) with respect to the outer plug is inhibited in the longitudinal direction (L), 20 further comprising the procedure:

•

place the outer cap (15) and the transit unit (1) in the assembled condition by positioning the outer cap (15) so that it surrounds the outer circumference of the transit unit (1);

•

insert the outer cap (15) and the transit unit (1) in the condition mounted inside the opening, so that the transit unit (1) is held in the opening by the outer cap (15);

25 • passing at least one cable (10), pipe or conduit through the plurality of conduits (2); • insert into each conduit (2) one of the segmented inner plugs (16) to hermetically fill a space in the corresponding conduit between a circumferential inner wall of the corresponding conduit (2) and the at least one cable (10), pipe or channel that extends through it. 14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: • provide the outer sealing plug (15) in such a way that, in the assembled condition and in a condition not installed in which the assembly is free of radial compression, a total length of the inside (6) of the outer plug (15) measured in the circumferential direction be, in each position along the longitudinal direction (L), less than the total length of the outer circumference (3) of the transit unit (1) in the 35 corresponding position along the longitudinal direction (L). 15. Method according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the opening itself is a conduit (2) in a transit unit (1) as described in claim 13.